Empire State Pride Agenda says priorities achieved

Albany, N.Y. (AP) — The Empire State Pride Agenda, which advocates for the rights of gay, bisexual and transgender New Yorkers, says it will conclude major operations next year, citing more than 100 legislative and policy victories over 25 years.

The organization says it will identify aspects of its policy work to continue at other groups, and will maintain its political action committee to stay involved in election politics.

The decision follows votes by its directors and what Pride Agenda calls securing its top remaining priority — protecting transgender New Yorkers from discrimination in regulations announced by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Victories cited on behalf of more than 1.5 million New Yorkers include adding sexual orientation to the state's nondiscrimination laws, legalization of same-sex marriage and statewide education guidance to prevent bullying in schools.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

The Gayly – December 15, 2015 @ 8 a.m.